Our Mission

The SmART Kinston City Project Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to building Kinston and Lenoir County’s creative economy.

We envision Kinston as a hub for the arts in eastern North Carolina, from visual to performance art, from literary to culinary art, from contemporary to folk art and everything in between.

SmART Kinston accomplishes its mission through its artist relocation program, creative placemaking initiatives, community arts development, and investments in the Arts & Cultural District. Learn more about our programs here.

We couldn't do it without you

We are a partnership-based organization that collaborates with residents, artists, the Kinston Community Council for the Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council, civic leaders, non-profit organizations, and other state agencies and community partners.

SmART Kinston is grateful to its funders, which include the Educational Foundation of America, the Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority, and the Kinston-Lenoir Committee of 100.

We also count on support from our volunteers and individual donors. Do you believe the arts has the power to transform Kinston? Make a tax-deductible donation here.